Funds for appointment of counsel are budgeted by the Commissioners, with an average of 80 percent of the budget reimbursed by the State. Ohio law mandates that individuals requesting representation pay a $25 application fee. The County retains 80 percent of the fee to offset the costs of providing legal representation.
The duties of the Public Defender are outlined in Chapter 120 of the Ohio Revised Code. A five-member commission, appointed by the Common Pleas Judges and the Board of County Commissioners, oversees the office administration.